A new type of therapy at Shands Jacksonville is designed to help patients during their healing process by means of man’s best friend, the dog, and other pets.
The pet therapy program’s first volunteer is Kendal Gunn and her Lhasa Apso, Sophie.
Gunn wanted to do something helpful for the Jacksonville community and after searching the Internet for a good cause, she learned about pet therapy at Shands Jacksonville. She contacted Volunteer Services at the hospital to see if she fit the requirements.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are asked to commit to at least one to two hours a week. The pet must be at least 1-year-old and have verification from a veterinarian of the animal’s good disposition or have completed an obedience course. A veterinarian must also complete a health certificate stating that the animal is free of infections and up-to-date on vaccines.
Pet therapy provides patients, their families and the care team with a soothing distraction from the realities of medical treatment. Research has shown that visiting with animals helps reduce stress levels and provides a welcome change in the daily hospital routine. Patients become more responsive during and after a pet therapy visit.
Gunn and Sophie recently visited the Post Trauma and Pediatric units where Sophie gave lots of kisses and had her belly rubbed by patients and employees alike. Sophie is bathed and groomed before each visit and she must wear her volunteer identification badge while on campus. Gunn wears a fanny pack containing a clean-up kit and hand washing supplies.
“It’s truly amazing to witness the effect that a pet visitation has on patients and staff. We have three more applicants that are currently being processed and hope to have them on the floors by mid January,” said St. Laurent.
Pets like Sophie accept people as they are, regardless of age or physical ability, and give patients and staff a common topic of conversation. For more information about the pet therapy program at Shands Jacksonville, contact Volunteer Services at (904) 244-4271.